Method to reduce the cost of product software upgrades after production

ABSTRACT

A product packaging shipping container for housing and shipping a device that allows for service upgrades while the product packaging container remains closed. The product packaging container may include a set of container interfaces configured to be accessible from an exterior of the product packaging container and respectively corresponding to a set of device interfaces. The shipping container may also include a set of connections that respectively connect the set of container interfaces to the set of device interfaces, such that an external connection to the set of devices is provided while the product packaging container remains closed via access to the set of container interfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to product packaging and moreparticularly to a product packaging container that allows connection toa device interface while the packaging remains closed.

2. Description of the Related Art

Packaging containers have developed quite significantly over the yearsin response to a number of concerns. Some of these concerns involve thetype of article to be shipped, changes in the display of the article,changes in the packing material, and even changes in marketing styles.The earliest type of product containers was a simple cardboard box whichhad the advantage of being easily stacked for shipment and easilyshelved for display. Further advances packing containers includedchanging the actual design of the packing container to achieve greatersales. However, most advances in product packing revolved around eitherthe front end of choosing the correct packing container for the articleor back end of marketing the product to the consumer. Very few advancesto packing containers have been made for the shipping process.

With the advent of shipping devices that need service and softwareupgrades, the shipping process has taken on a new importance.Conventionally, many electrical apparatuses such as televisions, forexample, require placement in a packing container right after themanufacturing stage, during the quality assurance stage, and during thestorage stage right before shipment to the end consumer. At each ofthese stages, there is need for software and service upgrades to theelectrical apparatus.

Currently, the service technician, at any one the aforementioned stages,is compelled to remove the electrical apparatus to provide the serviceand software upgrade. This procedure can result in many problems, notthe least of which is possible damage to the electrical apparatusitself. Other problems include, cost effectiveness and techniciansafety.

For these reasons and other that will become apparent, it is desirableto have a packing container that can provide service and softwareupgrades to a device inside the packing container without removing thedevice from the packing container. More specifically, it is desirable toprovide the service and software updates from the exterior of thepacking container before shipping the device to the end user.

A conventional transportation case 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Thetransportation case 10 is shown to have a port cover 30 at a location atthe bottom left of transportation case 10. The port cover 30 isconfigured to be unscrewed at throughput hole 40 to reveal USB dataoutput cables 30 and power supply cable 20. The USB data output cable 30and the power supply cable 20 can be pulled out of the transportationcase 10 via the throughput hole 40. The USB data output cable 30 isconnected to a PC and the power supply cable 20 is connected to asuitable connector.

The transportation cover 10 encases a “6TD seismometer” and is shown toreceive power through power supply cable 20 and receives and outputsdata through USB data output cable 30. It must be maintained that thetransportation case 10 can not be shipped but only provides access tothe 6TD seismometer only when the throughput hole 40 is revealed.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a TV 70 enclosed inside TV box 80. Thisconfiguration is maintained throughout the internal factory shippingprocess. In order to upgrade information prior to external factoryshipping, TV 70 is removed from TV box 80 by lifting the TV box 80 in anupward direction to reveal service port 110, power connector 110 andpower cable 90 on the back of the TV.

Once the TV 70 is removed from the TV box 80, power cable 90 isconnected to an outside power source and power is provided to the TV viathe power cable 90 and through the power connector 100. Service port 110provides an access point for software diagnostics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the above issues, the current invention has been undertakento over the difficulty in updating software of device while the shippingcontainer remains closed.

In an embodiment of the current invention, there is provided a productpackaging shipping container for housing and shipping a device andallowing connection to device interfaces while the product packagingcontainer remains closed, the product packaging container comprising: aset of container interfaces configured to be accessible from an exteriorof the product packaging container and respectively corresponding to aset of device interfaces; and a set of connections that respectivelyconnect the set of container interfaces to the set of device interfaces,such that an external connection to the set of devices is provided whilethe product packaging container remains closed via access to the set ofcontainer interfaces.

The product packaging shipping container may include a set of containerinterfaces to accommodate a device upgrade while the product packagingcontainer remains closed, and wherein the product packaging container isa shipping container, such that the device upgrade is carried out priorto shipment of the product packaging container without requiring directaccess to the device within the product packaging container.

The product packaging shipping may also include a set of containerinterfaces includes a first container interface that corresponds to apower interface of the device to allow supply of power to the device anda second container interface that corresponds to a service interface ofthe device to allow a service upgrade to the device while the productpackaging container remains closed.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other more detailed and specific features of the presentinvention are more fully disclosed in the following specification,reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a through port on the outside of acontainer constructed in accordance with the prior art.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a conventional TV box housing a TV.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the back of the TV of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a product packagecontainer in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view as seen from the top of the productpackage container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example of a product packagecontainer in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view as seen from the top of the productpackage container of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the shipping process for the productpacking shipping container.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of third example of a product packagecontainer in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view as seen from the top of the productpackage container of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousdetails are set forth, such as flowcharts and system configurations, inorder to provide an understanding of one or more embodiments of thepresent invention. However, it is and will be apparent to one skilled inthe art that these specific details are not required in order topractice the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows device 300 encased in an unopened product packagingcontainer 200 with a set of container interfaces 220 and 270, such thatthe device 300 can be shipped both in an external and internal factoryshipping process. The container interface 220 is configured to beaccessible from an exterior of the product packing shipping container200 and respectively corresponds to a power interface 225 located ondevice 300 to allow supply of external power to the device 300. Powerconnector 221 is connected to container interface 220 to provideexternal power to device 300 via power interface 225.

Container interface 270 is configured to be accessible from the exteriorof the product packing shipping container 200 and respectivelycorresponds to a service interface 275 located on device 300 to allowfor service upgrades for device 300. Jig 271 can be connected to serviceinterface 275 via container interface 270 to provide service upgradesprior to external factory shipping.

As such, power is provided to container interface 220 through powerconnector 221 so as to relay power to power interface 225 such thatdevice 300 is powered up to receive software and service upgrades.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view as seen from the top of productpackaging shipping container 200 of the first embodiment. Powerconnector 221 is connected to container interface 220 located on theback portion of product packaging shipping container 200. The locationof container interface 220 corresponds to the location of the powerinterface 225. A set of power connections 230, respectfullycorresponding to the location of container interface 220, is configuredto connect container interface 220 to power interface 225 to provideexternal power to device 300.

As such, external power can be supplied to device 300 by the powerconnector 221 via the power interface 225 through container interface220 along the set of power connections 230 while the product packagingshipping container 200 remains close.

Jig 271 is connected to container interface 270 located on the backportion of product packaging shipping container 200. The location ofcontainer interface 270 corresponds to the location of the serviceinterface 275. A set of service connections 280, respectivelycorresponding to location of container interface 270, is configured toconnect container interface 270 to service interface 275 to accommodateservice upgrades of device 300.

As such, service upgrades can be transmitted to device 300 by jig 271via the service interface 275 through container interface 270 along theset of service connections 280 while the product packing shippingcontainer 200 remains closed.

To accommodate device upgrade, while the product packaging containerremains closed, the service upgrades provided by jig 271 and received bycontainer interface 270 include updated product software information orproduct rework. The updated product software information or productrework from jig 271 is supplied to device 300 through the serviceinterface 275 and service connections 280. In this manner, deviceupgrade is carried out prior to external factory shipment of the productpackaging shipping container 200 without requiring direct access todevice 300.

FIG. 5 shows device 310 encased in an unopened product packagingcontainer 200 with a container interface 290, such that the device 310can be shipped both in an external and internal factory shippingprocess. The container interface 290 is configured to be accessible froman exterior of the product packing shipping container 210 andrespectively corresponds to service interface 285 located on devices 310to allow supply of external power to the device 310 and to provideservice upgrades from jig 271.

Power connector 281 is connected to container interface 290 to provideexternal power to device 310 via service interface 285. Jig 271 isconnected to container interface 290 to provide service upgrades todevice 310 via service interface 285 prior to external factory shipping.The location of power connector 281 is adjacent to the location of jig.

As such, power is provided to container interface 290 through powerconnector 281 so as to relay power to service interface 285 such thatdevice 310 is powered up to receive software and service upgrades.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view as seen from the top of productpackaging shipping container 210 of the second embodiment. Powerconnector 281 is connected to container interface 290 located on theback portion of product packaging shipping container 210. The locationof container interface 290 corresponds to the location of the serviceinterface 285. A set of service connections 295, respectfullycorresponding to the location of container interface 290, is configuredto connect container interface 290 to service interface 285 to provideexternal power to device 310.

Jig 271 is connected to container interface 290 located on the backportion of product packaging shipping container 210. The location ofcontainer interface 290 corresponds to the location of the serviceinterface 285. A set of service connections 295, respectivelycorresponding to location of container interface 290, is configured toconnect container interface 290 to service interface 285 to accommodateservice upgrades of device 310.

As such, external power and service upgrades can be supplied andtransmitted to device 310 by the power connector 281 and jig 271 via theservice interface 285 through container interface 290 along the set ofservice connections 295 while the product packaging shipping container210 remains closed.

To accommodate device upgrade, while the product packaging container 210remains closed, the service upgrades provided by jig 271 and received bycontainer interface 290 include updated product software information orproduct rework. The updated product software information or productrework from jig 271 is supplied to device 310 through the serviceinterface 285 and service connections 295. In this manner, deviceupgrade is carried out prior to external factory shipment of the productpackaging shipping container 210 without requiring direct access todevice 310.

FIG. 8 shows device 410 encased in an unopened product packagingcontainer 400 with a wireless container interface 406, such that thedevice 410 can be shipped both in an external and internal factoryshipping process. The wireless container interface 406 is configured tobe accessible from an exterior of the product packing shipping container400 and respectively corresponds to wireless service interface 409located on devices 410 to allow supply of external power to the device310 and to provide service upgrades from a “rich” wireless update device405. The power requirements of updating device 410 may be provided bythe device itself or a wired power connector as in FIG. 4.Alternatively, an inductive coupling device could provide the powerthrough the walls of the product packaging shipping container 400.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view as seen from the top of productpackaging shipping container 400 of the third example. A “rich” wirelessupdate device 405 is placed on wireless container interface 406 locatedon the back portion of product packaging shipping container 400. Thelocation of wireless container interface 406 corresponds to the locationof the wireless service interface 409. A set of wireless serviceconnections 407, respectfully corresponding to the location of wirelesscontainer interface 406 and wireless service interface 409, isconfigured to connect wireless container interface 406 to wirelessservice interface 409 to accommodate service updates for device 410.Alternatively, the service upgrades may be provided through UBW,Bluetooth, ZigBee, and Wireless USB connections. These connections wouldbe ideal in that they are intended for short range communication betweendevices typically controlled by a single person.

Identification and initial recognition of device 300, 310, or 410 may beprovided by an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) 415. TheRFID 415 would be place on the back of product packaging shippingcontainer 200, 210 or 400 to identify the device. After which, jig 271or “rich” wireless update device 405 is used, in the manner specifiedabove, to accommodate service upgrade of device 300, 310, or 410. As anRFID chip receives power from a radio signal, there would be no need fora separate power connector.

If desired, container interface 220, 270, 290, or 406 may be placed onthe side portions of product packaging shipping container 200, 210, or400 respectively corresponding to the location of the service interfaceof the device to accommodate service upgrades and supply power to thedevice.

During internal factory shipping but before external factory shipping,device 300, 310 and 410 can be configured to receive software upgrades,product upgrades, product rework, and service upgrades, while theproduct packing container remains closed. This increases the costeffectiveness of product since device 300, 310, and 400 no longer needsto be removed from the product packing container in order to receive thesoftware upgrades, product upgrades, product rework, and serviceupgrades.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the shipping process for the productpacking shipping container. After the manufacturing stage of device 300,310, and 400 and placement into the product package shipping container,the container goes through a number of stages. In Stage one (S1), theservice technician asks if device 300, 310, and 400 is in need of aservice or software upgrade. If the answer to that question is yes, theservice technician insert jig 271 or wireless update device 405 and thepower connector on to the back of the product package shipping containerand powers up device 300, 310, and 400 and updates the software ofdevice 300, 310, and 400. In Stage 2 (S2), after device has gone throughquality assurance, the service technician once again asks if device 300,310, and 400 is in need of a service or software upgrade. If the answerto that question is yes, the service technician insert jig 271 orwireless update device 405 and the power connector on to the back of theproduct package shipping container and powers up device 300, 310, and400 and updates the software of device 300, 310, and 400. In Stage 3,while the product packaging shipping container is in a storage facility,the service technician once again asks if device 300, 310, and 400 is inneed of a service or software upgrade. If the answer to that question isyes, the service technician inserts jig 271 or wireless update device405 and the power connector on to the back of the product packageshipping container and powers up device 300, 310, and 400 and updatesthe software of device 300, 310, and 400. In Stage 4, the servicetechnician asks confirms if the product is in need of a service orsoftware upgrade. After S4, the product packaging shipping containerwith updated device 300, 310, and 400 is externally shipped from thefactory storage facility.

Other costs effective measures can be appreciated. In handling, just thejig for software upgrades, product upgrades, product rework, and serviceupgrades of device 300, little if any damage can occur to device 300.If, on the other hand, device 300 needs to be removed from the productpackaging container, the service technician may inadvertently damagedevice 300, resulting in the best case, a marred device, or in the worstcase, a defective and unusable device.

Along with the increase of cost effectiveness of the overall process ofshipment and upgrading the software from the exterior, protection ofdevice 300 will be appreciated. When the service technician providessoftware upgrades, product upgrades, product rework, and serviceupgrades of device 300 from the exterior of the product packagingcontainer.

Safety concerns relating to removing device 300 from the product packingcontainer can also be addressed. Since the software upgrades, productupgrades, product rework, and service upgrades can be done from theexterior of the product packaging container, the possibility of harm toa service technician, while physically lifting and removing device 300from the product packing container to provide software upgrades, productupgrades, product rework, and service upgrades to device 300,diminishes.

Minimizing electrostatic discharge can be appreciated with thisinvention. Constantly removing and returning device 300 from the productpacking container, the service technician comes in contact with thepacking material. The packing material could inadvertently staticallydischarge when handled by the service technician. This discharge candamage or destroy device 300 while the service technician is removingdevice 300 from the product packaging container. By introducing theservice and software upgrades from jig 217 from the exterior of productpackaging container via the service interface, the probability of staticdischarge from the packing material is greatly reduced.

Environmental concerns can further be addressed and appreciated with theproduct packaging container. If the service technician removes device300 from the product packaging container, the packaging material may bedamaged and replaced. The accumulated trash resulting from the constantreplacement should be put in a refuge area, where it can produceundesired waste and may take up much needed space.

Although the present invention had been described in terms of theforgoing embodiments, such descriptions have been made for illustrativeand explanatory purposes only. It will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art, modifications, alternatives, deletions,equivalents, and variations will fall within the scope of the inventionas defined in the following claims.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain embodiments thereof, the invention may bevariously embodied without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. Therefore, the following claims should not be limited to thedescription of the embodiments contained herein in any way.

1. A product packaging shipping container for housing and shipping adevice and allowing connection to device interfaces while the productpackaging container remains closed, the product packaging containercomprising: a set of container interfaces configured to be accessiblefrom an exterior of the product packaging container and respectivelycorresponding to a set of device interfaces; and a set of connectionsthat respectively connect the set of container interfaces to the set ofdevice interfaces, such that an external connection to the set ofdevices is provided while the product packaging container remains closedvia access to the set of container interfaces.
 2. The product packagingshipping container of claim 1, wherein the set of container interfacesaccommodate a device upgrade while the product packaging containerremains closed, and wherein the product packaging container is ashipping container, such that the device upgrade is carried out prior toshipment of the product packaging container without requiring directaccess to the device within the product packaging container.
 3. Theproduct packaging shipping container of claim 1, wherein the set ofcontainer interfaces includes a first container interface thatcorresponds to a power interface of the device to allow supply of powerto the device while the product packaging container remains closed. 4.The product packaging shipping container of claim 3, wherein the set ofcontainer interfaces includes a second container interface thatcorresponds to a service interface of the device to allow a serviceupgrade to the device.
 5. The product packaging shipping container ofclaim 4, wherein the second container interface receives updated productsoftware information from an upgrade jig, which is supplied to thedevice through the second container interface.
 6. The product packagingshipping container of claim 4, wherein the second container interfacereceives product rework from an upgrade jig, which is supplied to thedevice through the second container interface.
 7. The product packagingshipping container of claim 1, wherein the set of container interfacesincludes a wireless update device that corresponds to a serviceinterface of the device to allow service upgrade and power to thedevice.
 8. A method of accessing a device in a product packagingshipping container comprising the steps of: housing a device inside aproduct packaging container such that the location of a containerinterface corresponds to the location of a device interface, connectinga set of container interfaces and the device interfaces with aconnection such that product software upgrades can be transmittedbetween the container interfaces and the device interfaces. providingpower to the container interfaces through a power connector so as torelay power to the device interfaces such that the device is powered upto receive software upgrades.
 9. A method according to claim 7, whereinproduct software upgrade is upgraded through a jig that is connected toa first container interface.
 10. A method according to claim 7, whereinthe power is provided through a power connector that is connected to asecond container interface.